social media

Digital Marketing Experts Share Key Concepts for Going Social

We often hear how Millennials love technology. In fact, they don’t know life without it. 

But while these future business leaders appreciate the power of technology to enhance knowledge and facilitate life’s simplest tasks, technology shouldn’t overshadow the important role of meetings, finds a new report by Imago Venues.

The report asks whether the meetings industry is doing enough to inspire this generation, and the resounding answer is no.

Social media has drastically changed since I was in college. Thanks to Instagram, Twitter and FB, the hashtag symbol is becoming a larger topic when it comes to following, reporting and engaging with companies, friends or events. I personally love following the buzz during events that I cannot attend via hashtags. Savvy event planners can use hashtags to help our industry and business grow.

A study on the important of social media in the meetings and events industry conducted by American Express Meetings & Events found usage of social media has increased in the industry, and about 45 percent of planners see the value in online engagement. Neemah Persad-Celestine is an executive of Hyatt Regency Trinidad, and responsible for all Hyatt Regency Trinidad’s social media, understands this and is an advocate for using social media in all aspects of planning.

Congratulations! You’ve landed a coveted industry award. You’re at the top of your game. Besides hanging your award on the wall or placing it in a place of prominence, what can you do to celebrate your achievement and use it to support marketing and recruitment efforts?

Here are five tips to extend the life of your industry recognition and gain more publicity. 

Add a Press Release for Your SEO

Posed for perfection and moving beyond "say cheese."

Snapchat geofilters are now available at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa.

Geofilters allow Snapchat users to inform their followers where and when they are someplace with a fun font to represent the area. Whether in a private video or picture to a friend, or on their public story, it’s a quirky way to let people know what you’re up to. Snapchat has recently made it possible for its users to create exclusive geofilters for their events and celebrations.

Visit Philadelphia, which began as a three-year experiment to increase tourism to the area, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. During the two decades of its existence, the CVB has  succeeded in drawing large numbers of people to the area, with 41 million people visiting in 2015—a 54 percent increase from 1997.

In the second year of their campaign, ‘It’s Good Not To Be Home,’ Hyatt Regency teamed up with Fast Company and Inc. to elevate their hotel experience. The collaboration allows travelers to participate through social media, and share why ‘It’s Good Not To Be Home.’ Using #HyattRegencyContest, guests can share creative ways to improve the Hyatt guest experience. At the end of the contest, two winners will be selected and given the chance to bring their visions to life, with the help of personal trainer Gunnar Peterson, and pastry chef/cronut creator Dominique Ansel.

Recently, Texas Meetings + Events sat down with Courtney Morrow, social media and marketing manager at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, to learn how the property is using social media to enhance meeting attendees’ experiences. Here’s what she had to say:

TXM+E: How has social media changed the planning process?